Tradescantia 'Little Doll'

Tradescantia 'Little Doll': Petite Beauty, Reliable Bloom

Charming and compact, Tradescantia 'Little Doll' is a dainty yet durable spiderwort that lights up the front of the border with soft lavender-blue blooms and a tidy habit. Each delicate, three-petaled flower sits atop arching stems of narrow, green foliage, opening in the morning light from late spring into early summer. Despite its small stature, this variety delivers strong garden performance with minimal fuss, offering pollinator value and repeat bloom potential when trimmed back.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-blue with yellow stamens
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Narrow, bright green, grass-like
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Little Doll' is perfect for edging, rock gardens, and small perennial groupings where a compact plant with delicate colour is needed. Its manageable size makes it easy to tuck into tight spots, and it plays well with both fine-textured grasses and low-growing companions. Long-blooming and pollinator-friendly, it's an easy-care addition to sun-to-part-shade gardens.

Companion Plants: Pair Tradescantia 'Little Doll' with the soft white blooms of Geranium 'Album', the golden-striped blades of Hakonechloa 'Aureola', and the romantic rose-pink spires of Digitalis 'Arctic Fox Rose' for a graceful, textural planting that blends woodland charm with soft pastel tones.

Care Instructions: Plant in moist, well-drained soil with full sun to part shade. Water during extended dry spells. Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh foliage and a potential rebloom. Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigour.

History: 'Little Doll' is a dwarf selection of North American spiderwort, chosen for its compact habit and delicate flower colour—making it an excellent fit for smaller gardens or border edges.

Final Thoughts: Sweet, steady, and easy to grow, Tradescantia 'Little Doll' is a petite gem that adds a soft sparkle to the early summer garden—proof that small can be just as showy.